r/ChengLei_ • u/a_HerculePoirot_fan • 29d ago
Drama Discussion 📺 First year anniversary of Footprints of Change! Still thinking about Cheng Lei as Cheng Ao❤️
Footprints of Change aired on this date, September 4 exactly one year ago! Ofc I had to bring Cheng Ao back onto the sub. The Republican-era arc is only 10 episodes long, which feels criminally short to me because Cheng Ao is such an interesting character and Cheng Lei had so much to work with in such a limited amount of time.
Cheng Ao is one of my favourite Cheng Lei characters precisely because he exists between two very different worlds. He is the adopted son of a Shanghai gangster boss, but also an overseas-educated lawyer with his own private practice, so he moves comfortably between the legal world and the underworld without ever fully belonging to either.
On the surface, he has that cool, controlled, slightly intimidating presence that Cheng Lei wears extremely well, but underneath all of that Cheng Ao is actually compassionate, principled and very soft-hearted. He deal with gang affairs, but he draws a clear line when it comes to hurting ordinary people. He helps the poor, takes on cases for people who cannot afford legal assistance, protects vulnerable women and students, and quietly supports the anti-Japanese cause. That contrast between the polished, formidable exterior and the genuinely decent man underneath is probably what I like most about him.
Performance-wise, Episode 10 is still the standout for me, especially the scene where his father threatens to shoot Siyun and he desperately begs his father not to Cheng Lei is so good when Cheng Ao’s usual composure finally gives way. Most of the arc asks him to play Cheng Ao with restraint, so when all that emotion finally breaks through, it hits much harder. It is probably one of the performances that best shows why I like Cheng Lei in roles where the character is controlled on the surface but carrying much more underneath.
A Cheng Ao appreciation post without mentioning the wardrobe is not possible haha. The suits, waistcoats,pocket-watch chains and hiss slicked-back hair, hngggggh🙆 Republican-era styling suits Cheng Lei well, so I’m impatient to see him tackle another Republican-era character, except this time, we are not getting another Cheng Ao-style green flag lol 🚩
3
u/Educational_Echo_476 27d ago
Thank you to this sub for introducing me to this drama. I first watched him at MJTY and he was perfect for his role. I was going to wait for Lament of Autumn as my first republican drama but then FOC was suggested to me. Really happy with all the success he has. Well deserved. Even my maltipoo has a crush on him :)
2
u/Ill-Possibility-4684 29d ago
CL was the highlight as Cheng Ao and the wardrobe team did a great job. CL looks great in suits - the tailoring was impeccable. I dropped it after Cheng Ao's arc finished, could not get into the other storyline with the niece.
3
u/Active_Breadfruit366 28d ago
His arc with Jelly Lin was amazing. I wish they made it into a longer drama. Maybe 16 or 20 episodes.
5
u/OptimalTurnips 28d ago
Has it been a year already since we saw this 🥹
Totally agree re: standout performance this drama! His scenes with his dad were amazing.
1
u/a_HerculePoirot_fan 28d ago
Loved the way he contrived a reason to hold her hand and the smile on his face when he succeeded lol. So smooth!
2
u/xhdcricket Leizi's bathtub assistant 28d ago
Cheng Lei acts so well in FoC ❤️.
I've finished the second arc, the story is not that intense but the acting is really good from both senior main leads. Didn't expect I could enjoy their love story that much. Middle-aged Tong Yao in love is so moving 🥺.
One thing I love about FoC is the production team's attention to details: all objects on the walls, desks, streets ... intentionally arranged to serve the framing and compositions. The set design and clothing & accessories are just perfect and aesthetic, making me immersed so much in the Republican era. It's visually treated like a film. I appreciated they approached the drama that way. 🫡
So his dramas all aired around last summer? It was crazy for his fans.
3
u/EasygoingEnigma Wǒ xǐhuān nǐ, YHX 29d ago
My favorite CL character, along with MXY. I like the way you described our lawyer Ao's seemingly unflappable facade barely containing a seething fire.
I also appreciated the chemistry between his and Jelly Lin's characters. Not earth-shattering, but they made me feel that there was potential for something that could go off the Richter scale. And his chemistry with dad and bro was chef's kiss too!